Sapa is a top destination in Northern Vietnam’s mountainous landscape. There is so much to do there, from trekking Indochina’s tallest mountain to learning about the unique ethnic communities, and exploring the endless rice terraces… but is Sapa worth it?
This article will go over everything there is for you in Sapa, and help determine if Sapa should be added to your travel itinerary!
But, first things first, it is spelled ‘Sa Pa’, so from here on out that is how it will be spelled to honor the local cultures! Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Where is Sa Pa
Sa Pa is a mountain town located in the Hoang Lien Son mountains (also called the Tonkins Alps) Northwest of Hanoi. To get to Sa Pa it is about a 5.5-hour bus ride from Hanoi, or a train ride into the neighboring city, Lao Cai.
Since Sa Pa is a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of options to get into town and explore. Once you’re there, you can easily rent a motorbike to explore, or rent a taxi and head onto the mountain roads.
Cultures in Sa Pa
Sa Pa has been home to three diverse ethnic groups; the Black H’mong, Red Dao, and Dzay people, all with their own vibrant styles and ways of life. The local people will instantly bring a unique sense of life to the area, which is often covered in mist and clouds. Their vibrant textiles and complicated patterns are hard to miss!
What to Expect in Sa Pa
When you arrive in Sa Pa, you’ll be greeted by a lot of people offering to take you by taxi to your accommodation, which is a welcome offer after a long ride. The next thing you’ll hear is ‘do you want to go trekking?’
The town is a hub for backpackers to come for 2-3 days, go on a mountain trek, and then leave. And the locals cater to that travel style by churning out excursions and souvenirs before you move on. You can’t blame them, it is how they have found to make a living with the influx of visitors, but it can definitely skew your experience.
Unfortunately, many young kids are put to work to bring in buyers. Thy will sell you souvenirs, or come looking to take photos while in their traditional clothing. DO NOT support this, as it conveys that child labor is a way to make money.
Sa Pa is Great For You If...
Sa Pa may be the perfect place for you if you only have a few days, or have a specific trek you’re planning. For example, if you’re coming here to climb Mount Fanispan, the tallest mountain in Indochina, then where you stay doesn’t matter since you won’t be in town much anyway.
If you love tourist centers and want to get a photo of all the iconic spots that every tourist goes to, then Sa Pa is a great landing point! It is a common destination, and there are plenty of things to do in town.
However, if you’re traveling for a more authentic experience and enjoy getting deeper into nature and the local culture, then is Sapa worth it? Probably not, but somewhere else is.
The Ta Van Valley
I’m not surprised you were drawn to Sa Pa for the misty mountain views, unique local cultures, and laid-back way of life. However, if being at the center of town that has been taken over by tourism makes your skin crawl, then the Ta Van Valley is perfect for you.
Only 25 minutes from Sa Pa, is a small town of 3,000 people that is idyllic, comfortable, and so welcoming to travelers. There are cozy cafes filled with books and games, homestays that make you feel like family, and the world’s sweetest dogs (which we have found is an accurate reflection of the people)!
5 Reasons To Stay in Ta Van Instead of Sa Pa
1. The Small Town Feel
One great thing about a small town is that you get to know everyone pretty quickly. But here, you also recognize their children, and their dogs who you might spot on the other side of town. Neighbors feel like family and everyone is a friend. In Ta Van, nothing gets lost in the hustle and bustle of city life.
2. The Locals
Everything is more relaxed and usually safer in a small town. While walking along a steep road, a young girl came up out of nowhere and just held my hand while we walked, it was so precious. The boys come to sit on my lap at dinner and bring their trucks and books and we play! No need for language here.
3. The Views
Of course, there are views in Sa Pa as well, but often those views are masked by a blanket of mist and clouds. On the cloudy days in Ta Van, you can still see across the valley rather than a wall of white.
4. The Restaruants
The food in Ta Van is insane, plus every restaurant and cafe has a quaint and comfortable aesthetic that makes you want to hang out all day. The food is cheap, but the quality is insane. Not to mention that many of the restaurants are vegan, organic, and use locally sourced ingredients from the valley!
5. The Immersion
While Sa Pa offers cooking classes and handicraft lessons, you’re always a client to them and it’s tough to break through that seller/buyer relationship. The locals in Ta Van see way fewer travelers every day, so give more time and attention to conversation. They will sit and eat with you, introduce you to their family, and teach you so much!
Summary - Is Sa Pa Worth it?
Almost everyone traveling Southeast Asia has heard of Sa Pa – the hidden gem in Northern Vietnam’s mountains. However, when too many people ‘find’ the same hidden gem, it loses its charm. Unfortunately, that’s what feels like has happened in Sa Pa.
While the region is still breathtaking, the city of Sa Pa itself was a pass for me. I felt like people saw me for my wallet more than my mind, and I felt like just another number of people passing through.
As a slow traveler, where I stay somewhere for 1-month minimum, Sa Pa would have been a nightmare. However, after finding Ta Van, I could stay here for a year! The people, the views, and the slow living pace were peaceful, welcoming, and so beautiful to be a part of.
So to answer the question: Is Sapa worth it? No. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other hidden gems near Sapa that will sway you to stay here for longer.
